Christmas supplement Dec2016

christmas The Malta Independent on Sunday 11 DECEMBER 2016

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Happy (Christmas) hampers With a little imagination hampers can really bring glad tidings, comfort and joy!

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he problem with deciding what to give your family and friends is that people are so different – male and female, children, middleaged and elderly; professional, students, creative, passive, active, artistic, philosophical or cynical. Where do you begin?

The answer is obvious, a hamper. Once just the standby of boardrooms and businesses the handy hamper can easily morph into an exciting treasure chest of custom-picked treats to delight both those who have everything and those who need everything. It all depends on what you choose to go in it.

It’s important to set the right image. Add extra leather, rib-

bon or cord fastenings, some elegant or cute Christmas decorations and a warm, personal message to show the contents have been chosen especially for the person you are giving it to.

To make the best impression hampers should reflect their contents, wicker skips and baskets, leather or wooden boxes, suitably lined with straw or fabric according to whether they contain food, drink, fruit, flowers or toiletries will immediately look the part.

But other items can play the role of a hamper too. You could find or make attractive bags, with material in Christmassy

Deliciously festive ideas with Marks and Spencer Christmas hampers and gifts The experts at Marks & Spencer have created a must-have collection of food and drinks to make this Christmas the best yet, which we have compiled the best of in our hamper selection. Filled with exclusive festive favourites, including Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, chocolates, biscuits, wines and groceries .

Hampers start from just €17.50. A selection of wine gifts and toiletry hampers are also available. Find in-store or shop online at www.winedrop.com Free delivery across Malta and Gozo for orders over € 35 per address. For specialist corporate orders call 21234017.

colours and designs, to fill with everyday items that are always useful, assorted candles and tea lights, a selection of blank greetings cards and stamps, an antique cup and saucer or silver spoon with different teas, or coffees, miniature jars of unusual herbs and spices or sauces for anyone with an appetite for a tasty change.

Beautiful containers with foodie treats that are the luxurious side of delicious, and something the recipients would feel guilty buying for themselves, are a lovely way to spoil someone special.

For babies what about a supply of individual baby toiletries and snacks, neatly packed in a small, soft travel bag, all ready for when they run out. Or the equivalent in make-up, nail repair and gym or spa kits for

busy mums.

Wooden trugs, containing Christmas plants, decorations and gardening items would be welcomed by people who long for a low-maintenance garden, terrace or balcony. And a cosy, lined basket or dinner dish full of toys, nibbles and accessories for an adored family pet will delight its owner as well.

You could use a suitably decorated wooden box or tin, perhaps done up to look like a treasure chest, to fill with lots of small things that reflect a child’s collections, favourite sport or hobby.

It may take a little extra time to ‘hand pick’ whatever you choose to go in a hamper but at Christmas, when we want to show someone how much they mean to us, we can find it.

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SCENTS FOR THIS CHRITSMAS

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SIX OF THE BEST Perfume is the gift that keeps on giving..to the giver and recipient alike. Here is a selection of some of the hottest new fragrances on the market for this Christmas

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Carolina Jean Paul Nina 1 Herrera.

2 Gaultier.

3 Ricci.

Good Girl Le Male et Nina Luna It’s not enough to turn heads – jaws must drop, glances transform into stares. When GOOD GIRL clicks her heels, she has the city at her feet. Her presence has a way of lingering over space and time. It flirts with the unconscious, becoming a memory impossible to shake. A weapon of seduction for the woman who wears it.

Reveal your good side through the luminous facets of Tuberose and Jasmine Sambac. Indulge your bad side through the addictive notes of roasted Tonka beans and Cocoa.

Classique Essence de Parfum Le Mâle Essence de Parfum, shows a new interpretation of masculinity with for the first time, a redesigned silhouette: more shoulders and a narrower waist!

A new olfactory sensation too: a burst of spicy citrus collides with sensual leather notes shaken up with precious woods.

Classique Essence de Parfum: a new interpretation of femininity with, for the first time, a redesigned silhouette. A new olfactory sensation, the explosive contrast of spicy whipped cream, airy and addictive, with the richness of jasmine and a woody base.

Nina Luna is a fragrance, with exquisite curves and gourmand accents to the cascading laughter and thrills of young girls. An unprecedented fragrance dedicated to life's explorers. A tribe of women in the making, a myriad of girls full of promise. They have the aura and the energy of youth, evade compulsory figures, watching the horizon, stretching towards the unknown.

Plural, disarming, unpredictable, free, vivacious, captivating.

They enter life as if they were biting into an apple.

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Paco Prada.

Valentino.

4 Rabanne.

5 L’Homme 6 Valentino 1 Million et La Uomo and Lady Million Prive The party's very private.

The night, young and intensely alive. Are you ready? This illicit is unlimited – this adrenalin is addictive. The risk is yours. Break the bank.

Escape to the other side. 1 Million Privé. Extremely private. Powerful. Spiced apple. Hints of tobacco.

Precious myrrh. Addictive, delectable, intense. Lady Million Privé. Delectation.

More intimate. Stunningly feminine. Solar Vanilla.

Cocoa bean and Patchouli.

Join the private party. Take a risk.

FemmeCaress e de roses The instinctive, human, highly crafted and boundlessly imaginative approach that Prada ascribes to the making of fragrance is everywhere present in the ‘olfactory maps’ for both La Femme Prada and L’Homme Prada. Designed to take the wearer on a voyage through place, memory and time, somehow there appears a sensual meeting point for these distinct female and male fragrances to consummate an aesthetic relationship through experimentation and tradition.

Intense Valentino Uomo Intense is for a man with a charismatic allure and an assertive dominant masculinity with a distinctive aura. An eau de perfume concentration with a long lasting trail to enhance a man's everyday charisma or for a special occasion. A suave leathery fragrance, a deep, unforgettable olfactory signature: black leather and suave vanilla accords.

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Yes, there are precisely 11 shopping days till Christmas but honestly, there’s no need to panic

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ongratulations if you’re one of those people who has bought and wrapped all their presents by mid September and will be spending the coming days in a pine-scented, candleglowing haze of comfort and joy. If you are not quite so organised, take a moment to discover how much fun Christmas shopping really can be.

Everywhere is full of the joys of Christmas but crowds and, most of all, a sense of time running out have a way of putting

too much pressure on us when we should be eagerly shopping for gifts, clothes, home items and food with which to celebrate.

Whatever you still have to buy, take the time to decide and make a list of what you’re looking for before you leave home, include some alternatives incase you cannot find your first choices. And stick to the list when you are out. It’s so easy to get sidetracked and return with things you have suddenly spotted, like edible treats, more fairy lights and another novelty

cake tin.

Try to buy everything from under one roof – choose somewhere you are happy to shop in, a shopping complex, Christmas craft fair or street of independent or local shops. This will save no end of travel, parking angst and energy. Take advantage of the many stores offering a gift wrapping service and the stall holders who sell their items with pretty cloth bags or boxes. All you need to add is a personal gift card. So, more time saved.

Children may love the idea of

Christmas shopping, aka exploring the attractions of shops full of exciting treats and entertainment. But you’ll save hours of time, and your sanity, by getting your own purchases done before hitting the stores with the little ones.

Planning a special trip, just for the children to see the decorations, meet Santa, buy the presents they want to get for family and friends and any new party clothes, will save time and all kinds of hassle as well. A lot of tiredness, boredom and over excitement will be happily avoided.

Then, of course, there’s online shopping, which at this time of year is even more tempting, as we search for presents that tick different boxes and exclusive seasonal bargains. The bonus of

all your purchases being delivered is a huge one and using local sites, of which there are several, means less worry about delivery times when the lastminute countdown has begun.

However, Christmas just would not be Christmas without a certain amount of retail run around. Forget some of the more boring chores for once and go on out there. Factor in breaks for coffee and some people watching, lunch with friends or even supper out, after your expedition. Enjoy the buskers and children singing carols. Soak up the atmosphere and keep your eyes open. You could well spot that perfect present when you’re least expecting it and you will have a great dose of Christmas spirit.

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The Duke Shopping Mall T

he Duke’s eighth Christmas season began on December 3.

Santa and Mrs Claus arrived at the complex by a horse-drawn sleigh and launched the special season of magical activities and busy cheer! This time of the year is always a super special time, as The Duke Shopping Mall, located in the centre of Rabat, right at the beginning of Republic Street, seems to throb and hum with the merriment of the season.

At The Duke, shoppers will be delighted with the variety of stores that are conveniently found all in one central area that is literally next door to major parking zones and also very close to the public transport terminal in Rabat.

When it comes to leisure shopping, The Duke is the perfect answer. If you want to avoid the stress of managing your family entourage through the traffic-thronged streets, during the busy season, then head off to The Duke. As for the shopping itself, there is a great choice for everyone! From the well-edited collections of fashion and stylish clothes to the selection of gift ideas, baubles, Christmas ornaments and trendy home stuff, the outlets at The Duke have it all! You will also find a good assortment of stocking fillers for adults and children alike. When you’ve ticked off all the items on your shopping list, sit down at the cafeteria and relax over a cup of coffee.

Christmas is a busy season, but the outlets at The Duke strive to ensure that during this season, all customers get an excellent service while they are making their purchases. All this is further enhanced with The Duke Loyalty Scheme which is effective until December 24.

Customers making purchases will be awarded a stamp with every €25 spent, and these stamps can be redeemed for chocolates and wine.

From today up to December 23, The Duke’s outlets will be open from 9am to 7pm, including Sundays and public holidays. On Christmas Eve, the shops will remain open until 6pm to ensure that all the last-minute shoppers will still have a chance to finish off their lists.

Throughout the season, a mobile App will allow Christmas shoppers to win special prizes.

Winning is very easy. All you have to do is download The Duke Shopping Mall App onto your mobile. Check your app daily and you might discover you’re a winner! Redeem your gift at The Duke Shopping Mall.

Festive events at The Duke will target both adults and children.

Exhibitions and Christmas Carol musical performances by musicians will be held on the weekend of December

17 and 18. For the children, The Duke has planned a string of engaging and fun activities.

At The Duke, there has always been a great love for the magic of Christmas and this is the main theme behind the traditional festive trimmings and decorations that will deck out the mall. It all culminates in The Santa Magical Booth, where the true magic of Christmas will happen. Children will be able to enjoy a real-life telephone call with Santa and be surprised with sweets and a gift. The Santa Magical Booth will be open on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm and on Sundays from 5pm. to 7pm. On 13, 23 and 24 December, children can visit The Santa Magical Booth from 11am to 1pm.

And, as it has always been in the past, The Duke believes that there is no Christmas without giving. It is for this reason that during the season, The Duke is organising a Celebrity Selfie initiative in aid of Puttinu Cares with the participation of local celebrities. From December 3 to 24, five posters will be set up at The Duke Shopping Mall.

Shoppers are invited to scan the poster using the Zappar App and see celebrities such as Daniel Chircop, Christabelle Borg, Valentina Rossi & Nate Darmanin and Gaia Cauchi come to life! Watch what they have to say, donate for Puttinu and take a selfie with them via the App! Visiting The Duke during the season is always on the To-Do list while in Gozo. It is a good opportunity to share the magical Christmas atmosphere and to indulge in gift giving!

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Cribs tell the Chris T

We visit the Razzett Tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone, Mosta, where RITA DEMICOLI, PRO – Għaqda Filantropika Talent Mosti, explains how a beautiful exhibition has become a muchprized tradition.

he first Christmas exhibition at the Razzett tal-Markiz, Mosta, was inaugurated on December 10, 1997, with one exhibitior, Mr Austin Galea. This year is the 19th Christmas exhibition being organised at the Razzett.

Over the years, the number of participating artists has gradually increased. Since we are hosting exhibitors from all over Malta and Gozo, the Razzett talMarkiz is being considered as a National Centre for art exhibitions. This year we are having over 30 exhibitors at the Christmas exhibition.

In previous years, the Christmas exhibition was held in the two main exhibition rooms.

However, this year we are extending the exhibition space further. We are including the Ġnejna Anton Agius as exhibition space for this year’s Christmas exhibition.

Who takes part?

Those interested in exhibiting their artistic works at the Razzett for Christmas contact us, the committee of this philanthropic non-profit organisation. Discussions would then be held with the interested exhibitors as to the type of artistic work they wish to bring along and the dimensions.

Preparations for the Christmas exhibition start well-ahead of Christmas. We do our best to fit in as many works as possible, to give due exposure to anyone who shows interest in showing their creativity in this exhibition.

The space at the Razzett talMarkiz is quite limited and we accept artists on a first-comefirst-served basis, according to the theme being exhibited. Many artists contact us from a year before, to secure themselves a place at next year’s Christmas exhibition.

Crib by Keith Galea

What materials are used for crib making?

The artists can be very original in the materials they choose for their cribs. During the years, we have had a vast array of cribs made from various materials that many wouldn’t even dream of using. Through the various editions of the Christmas Exhibition cribs made of egg shells, cork caps, Papier Machè, clay, metal, glass, jablo, fireworks shells, limestone and rustic stone from Malta were put on display.

It is impressive how the artists reflect their conceptions of Christmas in such a wide variety of artistic expressions and materials.

Every year we present a big mechanical crib which is an attraction in itself. It measures about four square metres. It is a different crib every year which relates narratives from the Old Testament leading to the nativity of Jesus Christ. It depicts a fusion of the landscape of Bethlehem with aspects from Maltese Culture. The overall ambience brings a sense of peacefulness to the heart of the viewer. This mechanical crib works with a certain pre-

Crib by Anthony Borg

cision using a delicate electrical technique, which is cleverly disguised in the set-up of the crib.

This is the fruit of precise workmanship starting many months ahead of Christmas.

Many of the cribs being exhibited at the Razzett, participate in the National Crib Competition organised by the Malta Council for the Culture and the Arts.

Some have placed second and third in the different categories.

The mechanical crib exhibited at the Razzett has placed first and second these last few years.

Apart from a large number of cribs on show, there is a good number of contemporary and antique paintings featuring the Nativity.

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stmas story At the Razzett tal-Marki

Crib by Mario Camillleri

Christmas attractions get more commercial every year what do you think still draws people to such exhibitions in towns and villages?

I agree. Regrettably, Christmas is becoming increasingly a commercial affair as time goes by. By the end of October we are bombarded by adverts about the various Christmas gifts, parties etc. All this seems to distract us from the true meaning of Christmas. That’s why our Għaqda Filantropika

Talent Mosti puts its best efforts in organising the annual Christmas exhibition in order to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive.

The Razzett tal-Markiż is a rural building dating back to the 17th century. The trees, pots and plants, the red ponziettas all around the place, create that unique magical background for the Christmas Exhibition.

The number of visitors from all over Malta and Gozo has increased year by year. We get organised groups of elderly people, school children of different ages, tourists and, above all, many families who come along with their children to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere created at the Razzett talMarkiż. People are drawn to

such exhibitions as these revive the nostalgia of each one’s own childhood, as everyone experiences the true peace away from the hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced life.

Those visiting the Christmas Exhibition at the Razzett talMarkiż are given a tour around the Razzett itself in order to appreciate the rural and cultural aspect of the place and the activities held by the Għaqda Filantropika Talent Mosti - Mosta Talent Philanthropic Society.

This is a Non-Government Organisation whose main aim is to organise various activities such as art exhibitions, book launches, public discussions, drama etc. The money raised from these activities is presented on a yearly basis in the form of various donations to those in need: to both individuals and associations such as Inspire, the Malta Community Chest Fund, Dar tal-Providenza, Puttinu Cares, Fondazzjoni Nażżaret and many more. So, while helping artists, authors, and poets promote their works at the Razzett, we provide time and space for people to get together to discuss various aspects of art and culture, share and enlighten each other with knowledge in a friendly environment.

The Razzett tal-Markiż is situated in Triq Wied il-Għasel, Mosta. This farmhouse is a 300-year-old piece of rural architecture which belonged to the Marquis Mallia Tabone. We do our best to maintain the Razzet well to enhance the peaceful atmosphere and antique charm it possesses.

During these last 30 years, the Mosta Talent Philanthropic Society has been instrumental in propagating various expressions of popular culture, whilst instilling a sense of social solidarity, not only within its hardworking members, but also to the thousands of Maltese and foreigners who have visited the Society’s farmhouse at Mosta for one or more of its ever-ongoing exhibitions and other activities.

Standing tall for Maltese folklore, the Razzett tal-Markiż houses two permanent exhibitions of typical tools, serving as a tribute to the Maltese manual work and manual workers, local art and artists. It is the meeting place of art, culture and philanthropy.

We encourage everyone to have a look at our website www.talentmosti.com, which is updated regularly with articles and photos of current, future and previous events, For more information of our whereabouts, please follow the map in the Administration Section of our website: talentmosti.com or contact us on our e-mail: talentmosti1983@gmail.com. You can call us on phone no: 2142 0632.or mobile: 79268221 or contact us on Facebook:Ir-Razzett tal-Markiż.

What dates and times is the exhibition open?

The Christmas Exhibition was inaugurated on Saturday December 10. The occasion also marked the 200th exhibition being organised at the Razzett tal-Markiż. The Christmas Exhibition remains open till Sunday, January 1, 2017. Opening hours are: Every day between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, Sundays 9.30am till noon and 5.30pm ond 8.30pm.

Razzett tal-Markiż decorated for Christmas

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Books can be best Despite toys, tablets and gorgeous gadgets, the Christmas season brings the highest book sales of the year and it’s easy to see why.

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here is a reason why sales of kindles and e-books have not soared as high some people thought they might. Despite being a light-weight vehicle for carrying dozens of books at a time, they simply lack the comfort value of a good, old-fashioned book. Searching the book and charity shop shelves to discover the latest from your favourite author, or a title you’ve wanted to read for years is always a thrill. And then there’s the feel of a book, turning the pages, picking it up to snatch a few more chapters at odd intervals through the day. No fear of running out of battery power at a crucial stage of the plot either.

So much of our life is spent at a screen And as much, if not most of our screen time is work connected, a lot of the novelty is beginning to wear thin. It is also becoming clear that being slaves to screens can damage our health. Think eye strain and the as yet unknown effects of our constant exposure to WiFi wireless routers, Bluetooth and similar systems.

Of course, we’re not arguing the toss for or against such technology here, just

mentioning that having survived radio, TV, even on demand, the internet and all 21st century communication and entertainment sources, book have survived for a reason. People like them.

Books create bonds of friendship, fantastic escape routes, life-long memories, impressions and associations. The lasting value of a favourite book, well worn— even repaired or full of penciled notes, can be both financial and sentimental.

We will never know the number of people who cheerfully pack shelves of books when they move house. How many would admit to thinking ‘my books’ if asked what they would rescue in the event of fire? There are thousands, along with everyone who keeps their copies of childhood favourites or buys current editions for children and grandchildren.

So give a book this Christmas. It may be an out-of-print, or first edition which you found on line, because it will mean so much to someone special. It might have musical and fluffy textured pages to introduce a child to the joy of reading.

Or, perhaps it will be a current best-seller

or a magnificent work-of-art coffee table book.

If you choose it carefully, and not just because you hope the recipient will lend it to you when they’ve read it, it will be a

joy. As anyone who has ever snuggled up with a mug of hot chocolate, or something stronger, to spend a few hours in a different world, will be only too happy to tell you.

If you’re looking for some topical titles apart from the traditional Christmas book s perhaps you’ll find one or two here Christmas Cracker

by Jacqueline Wilson Well worth pulling and packed with brilliant Christmas stories, including a brand-new tale from Jacqueline and a classic favourite Starring Tracy Beaker, in which Jacqueline’s most famous heroine gets the lead part in her Christmas play! It’s also full of festive puzzles, tasty Christmas recipes, tips for finding perfect presents and fun facts about Christmas.

The Christmas Mystery

By Jostein Gaarder Fifty years ago a girl disappears from her home in Norway and finds herself travelling back 2000 years, to Palestine, and meeting the Holy Family in Bethlehem. She meets angels, shepherds, wise men and other biblical characters on her pilgrimage; and hears of many of the things that happened in the world in the last 2000 years. In present-day Norway, a boy acquires a strange old Advent calendar. Hidden in each of the windows is a tiny piece of paper. Little by little these pieces reveal the girl’s story, what happened to her and another story about the strange old man who made the calendar.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas

by Agatha Christie Christmas would not be the same without a good, old- fashioned thriller. With a fortune in uncut diamonds, hidden by an eccentric old man; a woman’s love, too freely given, and a business empire built on ruthlessness there’s no shortage of motives for the brutal killing of wealthy old Simeon Lee. And the fact that each member of Lee’s family hates him and wishes him dead, presents Hercule Poirot with a something of challenge.

Will you be able to work out ‘who done it’ before Poirot reveals all the ‘little things’ he observes to solve the mystery?

Dream Snow

by Eric Carle Younger children will love this utterly delightful book about a farmer and his animals celebrating a snowy Christmas Day. It is full of the whimsical, interactive illustrations and there is even a musical surprise at the end.

The Gift

by Celia Ahern If you could wish for one gift this Christmas, what would it be?

Everyday Lou Suffern battles with the clock. He always has several things to do at once. On his way to work one winter morning, he meets Gabe, a homeless man outside the office building. Deciding he could be very useful to have around, Lou gets Gabe a job in the post room. But soon Gabe’s presence unsettles Lou — how does Gabe appear to be in two places at the same time?

As Christmas gets closer, Lou starts to understand the value of time and what is truly important in life that sometimes you have to be unravelled in order to find out who you really are.

A Christmas Memory

by Truman Capote Truman Capote’s rural autobiographical memories of his Alabama boyhood have become a modern-day classic.

And when seven-year-old Buddy launches the Christmas season by yelling out to his cousin, Miss Sook Falk: “It’s fruitcake weather!” he paints the first stroke of an unforgettable portrait of a quirky but enduring friendship between two simple people, one young and one old, and the memories they share of their much-loved holiday rituals.

Letters from Father Christmas

by J.R.R. Tolkien Every December, J.R.R. Tolkien’s children received an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole. In it was a letter in a strange, spidery handwriting and a beautiful coloured drawing or some sketches. The envelopes contained letters from Father Christmas. They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole — about a reindeer getting loose and scattering presents everywhere, the North Polar Bear who fell through Father Christmas’s roof when he climbed the North Pole. Sometimes the Polar Bear scribbled a note, or Ilbereth the Elf added more life and humour to the stories, in his elegant flowing handwriting. The latest edition of this wonderful book contains new material, letters and pictures missing from early editions. And readers of all ages will be charmed by its inventiveness and ‘authenticity’

Skipping Christmas

by John Grisham Luther and Nora Krank decide that, just this once, they’ll skip the chaos and frenzy of Christmas.

Theirs will be the only house on the street without a roof-top snowman.

They won’t be hosting their annual Christmas Eve party or even having a tree. On December 25, they’ll be on a Caribbean cruise. But, in this hilarious classic tale for modern times, the weary couple discover that skipping Christmas brings huge consequences and is not nearly as easy as they thought it would be.

Tom Smith’s Christmas Crackers an Illustrated History

by Peter Kimpton Who actually created the Christmas cracker? Not a lot is known about its inventor, but the author uses a pile of archive material to tell how Tom Smith first manufactured Christmas crackers. The story is enhanced with rich illustrations from contemporary trade catalogs and company artwork.

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Be nice to each other!

Do you recognise that line? We take a nostalgic look back on how the traditionally English Christmas pantomime has become a firm favourite with local audiences of all ages.

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ong ago, in the last century, this quintessential retelling of a popular fairy story or morality tale was the prerogative of the British services and UK based civilians, firstly the MADC, until the start of World War I and later the Royal Air Force’s Ariel Players.

By 1978, with the Ariel Players having disbanded as a result of the British services withdrawal in 1979, a perfect opportunity presented itself for the MADC to take up a pantomime production again, at the Manoel Theatre. The committee of the time accepted the idea and the rest is history.

Panto, reappeared, with all its quaint customs like good characters enter from stage right, baddies from the left, the leading man playing a woman and a girl in the role of the young hero.

There had to be a fast and furious slap stick scene, the baddies were blood-curdlingly fiendish, or two lines short of the full plot, but always raised a laugh and were inevitably defeated, following a magical transformation scene with all the special effects the set and lighting designers and the stage technicians could muster thrown into the mix. In Cinderella MADC’S first panto, in 1978, a real Shetland pony pulled Cinderella’s glass coach.

The striking of this particular scene before the finale was masked by another important tradition – the Song Sheet. Basically a topical, humourous song is printed on a huge screen so the whole audience can see it. Two or four members of the cast lead the audience in an ear-piercing example of one- upmanship as each side of the theatre tries to prove they can sing louder than the other.

Nearly all pantomime stories star an animated animal which has to be as adorable as possible and take part in the obligatory opportunity for groups of children from the audience to go up on stage and join the fun.

For Aladdin the following season, a Panda was created, as the story is set in ancient China. He was called Desserta, after the Chinese chocolate that filled the confectionary shelves almost exclusively at the time! The panda costume was sent from UK and

Dress rehearsal trial of the simple technology available to ‘fly’ Aladdin’s magic carpet in 1979

The cast of Cinderella, 1978 was extremely realistic and cuddly. According to the script, Deserta, loved marshmallows. This was to spare him the distress of eating said ‘chocolate’, when the children fed him treats on stage.

As a result he was frequently seen backstage pulling sticky pieces of the sweet from various folds in his costume and commenting, less than favourably, but not unkindly about anyone under 10.

For those much older than 10 there may be a chance top get to off with the stunning Dame since the ritual humiliation of some good sport in exchange for a bottle of booze has been another source of panto fun for some time too.

But the most important aspect of the pantomime is that the script relates to Maltese issues and its greatest success hangs on the fact that it works on two levels. Jokes are based on double entendres and, absolutely vital, topical situations and satire. For many years pantomime was one of the few ways for people to comment and laugh at current affairs and personalities at a time when that was a lot more important than it is today.

The triumphant finale, involving the principals, especially the Dame, wearing an incredible walkdown costume, and the entire cast, gave the audience a chance to join in the encores and always included a curtain speech given by the leading character.

Filled with emotion and not a little sentimentality, considering the excitement of the night and the Christmas and New Year season, this usually included thank yous to all involved and a few jokes.

But one year, when tensions on

Wishee Washee and Deserta – Aladdin, 1979 the island had been running rather high, instead of simply ending his speech with “happy New Year everyone!”, Wishee Washee, the panto was Aladdin, added: “And be nice to each other.” The audience loved it.

The following performance and for the rest of the run, the message was shared. From then on, at every performance for decades after, perhaps even to this day,

true panto curtain speeches ended with this line and audiences eagerly awaited their cue to yell it out with cast. So, if you ever wondered where that particular panto tradition came from, now you know. And the message still stands!

Fast forward a few decades, easy enough in pantoland, and people’s taste has become more sophisticated. Children have

grown more savvy and expectations are higher. The genre has morphed into a cross between Walt Disney and Private Eye. Simple staging and lighting effects have been replaced by flying systems and back projection. The run of four or five nights has been extended to over a week plus matinees and budgets have soared. Cast, crew, musical director, writer and others are now paid a good bit towards their expenses, something that was unheard of in earlier years.

But, as always cast and crews put their hearts and souls into every performance and the audiences know they are in for a very special night ,or afternoon, of entertainment, one with magical moments and memories for so many.

This year Masquerade Theatre Company is at the Manoel Theatre with Puss in Boots, by Malcolm Galea, who also plays the dame, directed by anthony bezzina, who played Puss on the same stage for MADC in the early eighties.

MADC is producing Un-Believe It! at MFCC, Ta’Qali, written by and starring Alan Montanaro and directed by Nannette Brimmer. who was in MADC’s Cinderella in 1978 and has stared in and worked on so many pantos since.

And there are two pantos in Maltese, Bronk Productions’ Alice u l-Minions fil-Pajjiz tal-Meravilji, and Kumpanija Teatru Rjal is staging Scrooge, at the Catholic Institute, a sure sign that this very specific style of theatre has truly adapted into a seasonal entertainment that has something for everyone.

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The case for crackers They may be full of trinkets and terrible jokes, but crackers make traditional and decorative decorations.

You will need

• Toilet-roll tubes or other thin tubes cut to size • Pretty pieces of paper, heavy foil, or stiffened fabric, cut to A4 size • Sticky tape • Cracker snaps, you can find them on line.

• Scissors or pinking shears • Thin card, at least 20cm long • Decorative string or ribbon • Paper doilies, stickers, stars, or cutouts for decoration • Small gifts to go in the crackers

I

t might be thought that their name came from the crack of the banger inside it which is made up of two strips of paper impregnated with a chemical that reacts with the friction caused by two people pulling the cracker apart and makes a bang.

A more romantic, reason is that they were originally sold under the name of Cosaques, supposedly after the Cossack’ soldiers who were known for charging on horseback while firing their guns into the air; a somewhat tenuous link when you consider how crackers came about but still.

Crackers began in the middle of the 19th century when a sweet maker from London, Tom Smith, decided to sell his sweets, wrapped in pretty paper. He was inspired by the French bonbons he had seen sold that way.

Tom also added a short motto or a riddle with each sweet. When it turned out that many of these sweets were bought by men for their sweethearts, some of the mottos were replaced by simple love poems.

But, after the Christmas period these sweet treats did not continue to sell so well and Tom had to think of a way to boost their popularity. The story goes that inspiration came to Tom as he sat in front of his fire one evening attracted by the sparks flying and the sharp crackle of the logs as they were tossed into the flames.

He decided to give his sweets a bit of a bang by enlarging the wrapping to allow for the ‘explosive’ and including a little gift. When Tom died, his expanding cracker business was taken

over by his three sons, Tom, Walter and Henry. Walter added paper hats to the crackers’ contents and added jokes and limericks as well as mottos.

He also travelled worldwide to find new gifts to put in them.

A huge range of different themed crackers then appeared, including those especially for men or women, the Suffragettes, celebrities of the day and heroes returning from war Nowadays the British royal family has crackers custom-made for them and, rumour has it that the queen wears her paper hat over lunch.

Gifts could be anything from whistles and toys for children to false teeth and wedding rings. And the millionaires’ crackers contained very expensive gifts such as silver boxes and pieces of gold or silver jewellery.

That we still have a more or less identical cracker to this day proves how successful Tom Smith’s idea turned out to be. Now we can find tiny ones, on Christmas cards or almost life-size ones as fancy dress costumes, but mostly they appear on Christmas trees or set on the Christmas lunch or dinner table, one for each person there.

They are made from all sorts of materials and can even represent traditional Christmas reindeer, characters from story books and good, old Santa himself. They often need a few hard tugs before the sharp snap sounds and out pops a paper hat, which most people refuse to wear, a present or toy, which can sometimes be actually useful, and a festive joke, which nearly always makes everyone laugh because it’s so corny.

The type of crackers we choose depends on the effect we want them to have, how they are to fit into the table setting theme and whether they are just for fun, to amuse the children or to give your guests a little extra gift.

All things considered it might be an idea to do it yourself. The colour scheme, materials and contents will be totally original and the gifts inside can be chosen specifically for each guest. So, if you’re looking for totally different crackers this year we have some simple instructions for making your own.

Place a toilet-roll tube in the mid1paper, dle of the long edge of your secure with, sticky tape.

Thread a cracker snap through 2onethesidetoiletof therollpaper. and tape it down to Roll the tube across the paper and secure with pieces of tape 3along the seam.

Cut two 20x5cm strips of the thin 4themcard.in place Roll each into a circle, hold with a small piece of tape and put one in each end of the cracker with about 2cm sticking out.

Twist the gap between the toilet roll and the card gently with your thumb and forefinger until the cracker has a tightly closed neck.

Use your other hand to hold the card in shape.

Tie a piece of string or ribbon around the neck of the cracker with a neat bow.

Put a gift, joke, special photo or whatever you choose in through the open end of the cracker and seal the same way as before.

Decorate the crackers however you like.

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DECEMBER 2016

It’s the thought that counts But what were they thinking? Here’s how to avoid adding a whole new meaning to the saying: It is better to give than to receive.

T

here can be no greater gift than the one of being to able to pick exactly the right present for someone, one that captures their best side or appeals on a personal, practical or sentimental level.

Having any amount of cash does not actually help much either. In fact some of the best gifts we receive are those which cost very little but where thought and originality have played the biggest part.

Funnily enough it is the people that mean the most to us that are often the hardest to choose for.

The best thing is to think outside the box and search anywhere you are likely to find something striking. Sometimes people don’t know what they want till they have it.

Congratulations to the siblings whose parents had been worrying about being unable to renovate their living room themselves. Inspired no doubt by TV’s reality hometransformation programmes, they whisked their parents off on a pre-Christmas day out and returned to join one or two professionals in giving the room a mini make-over themselves; Christmas decorations indeed.

Family should be the easiest to buy for. You have more chance to pick up on their hints, however lightly they are dropped. Listen carefully to any remarks about colour schemes, scents, jewellery, whether they are running out of this and that, or want to see some up-coming films or theatre productions.

If you’re giving vouchers for restaurants, theatres, spas or mini breaks, including an offer or arrangements for childcare during the treat will really give you star gift kudos.

But what about when you open a divinely wrapped present for which the words: ‘you really shouldn’t have’, are all too apt?

You can see the donor is delighted with their choice and probably put a huge amount of thought and effort into obtaining

and reward the giver with a kiss or a hug and a quick ‘thank you soooo much’. That will be enough. And remember, unless you know for sure that a hostile sister-in-law is deliberately palming you off with a festive flagon of out-of-date designer vinegar, try and see every present as the treat its giver generously intended it to be.

it but … oh help. Now might a good time to practise the right present opening skills.

Dr Simon Moore, a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society, says fake happiness is quite hard to spot

and at about 60% of people manage to pull it off very successfully.

To convince someone you are happy with their gift. Lean towards it or hold it close. Limit loud exclamations of gratitude

And to avoid tears and a total meltdown do not, even in the spirit of yuletide irony, fall back on any of the suggestions below; all of which have, not surprisingly, been someone’s worst present ever.

Imagine the disappointment of the child who found a bed bug stuffed toy had apparently got onto its wish list. And spare a thought for the wives /budding chefs who could receive a mushroom washing brush.

Jewellery should be romantic, not made from precious metal and …teeth! There is nothing festive about a shower curtain splattered with a sinister bloodstained effect; or a glow-in-thedark toilet seat. A DNA testing kit is unlikely to be welcome and, no matter how long after Christmas you want a gift to be useful do not even think of a plot in a cemetery.

In fact, the safest choice to make is probably a voucher.

They are available for practically anything these days and a perfect way to ensure everyone will get something they’ve always wanted.

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DECEMBER 2016

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Flying cars and Vera Tasty this Christmas!

Professor Patrick Pacificus Potter may be a mouthful to pronounce, but the dear man is just that – peaceful and patient, as his name suggests. Well, one would have to be if one was an inventor with repeated failures and an empty bank account. But Prof. Potter never gives up – he is optimism personified. And when Dame Vera Tasty happens to drop in, bringing home the Professor’s two children who have, again, played truant from school, we know right away that his luck is about to change!

Vera, the only child of a wealthy business man, brings him a car – an old junk – and asks him to restore it for her. The Professor quickly dons his thinking cap and pulls out all the stops – literally. After locking himself away in his garage for weeks, he emerges with a sparkline car that’s not only been souped up... but which can even fly. He obviously was aware of the current traffic problems. Vera is impressed.... by the professor’s good looks. Oh... and by the car, of course!

The two pack the children, and a picnic lunch, into

The Safra – that, apparently, is how the car was known in its Monte Carlo Races heyday – and off they fly on an adventure.

Along the way, it becomes evident that there is more than just the car that’s in the air... Love is in the air too for the truly scrumptious Vera and Prof. P.P. Potter!

COME FLY WITH US THIS CHRISTMAS and meet Dame Vera Tasty (Alan Montanaro) and Prof. Patrick Pacificus Potter (Antony Edridge) at the MADC Pan-

The joy of giving books at Christmas With Christmas just around the corner, giving books as gifts has become more meaningful than ever. And one may even go a step further and be creative by writing an inscription which will undoubtedly lend itself to the book being cherished for many years.

We at Horizons are putting together a collection of some of our best books which would make beautiful gifts for this season, for adults and children alike.

Filial Churches in Malta, focusing on chapels in Qormi and Bejn Storja u Miti – Fr Hilary Tagliaferro are two of our hard cover books which are most sought after. One will also find a wide range of top-notch Maltese novels including L-Istorja li rrakkuntat Nina, Il-Maħbub ta’ Lady Chatterly and Skjava Fil-Ktajjen talImħabba, to mention just a few best-selling titles.

Children of all ages would be thrilled to receive a selection from our range of books, including Patatinu, Stejjer millBosk, Luke u r-rigal ta’ Santa Klaws or Sigurd and the Tree of Life.

So this Christmas give books to your loved ones, and yourself. You would be giving the opportunity to be inspired, relax, travel to far away places and being thought provoking at the same time.

Horizons books are available at leading booksellers and at Horizons, Triq lIskultur, Ħal Qormi. You may contact us on 21441604 or www.horizons.com.mt.

Alice u l-minions fil-pajjiz tal-Meravilji Once again during this Christmas period, Bronk Productions will be presenting another spectacular pantomime, which will undoubtedly offer all those attending an amazing experience. A wide mixture of characters will come together and join forces to entertain children, youths and adults.

We all know the famous story of Alice in Wonderland, as well as those sweet little yellow creatures, the Minions. But how will Alice and the Minions be involved with all the other characters? What’s the story all about? What’s their mission? Definitely there will be an unexpected surprise!

And Bronk Productions has some gifts ready to give to all the children attending, Alice u l-Minions fil-Pajjiz tal-Meravilji will be held at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, at the University of Malta between the 25th December 25 2016 and January 8, 2017. For more information call 2122 3347, 2722 3347 or www.activemalta.com

tomime – Un-Believe it! – at theMFCC, Ta’ Qali – from 22nd December 2016 to 8th January 2017.

For Booking www.madc.com.mt or send an email to booking@madc.com.mt or sms on 77776232 Hurry! The tickets are flying, too! Un-Believe It! promises to live up to the MADC guarantee for entertainment, providing gags and laughs, a large singing and dancing cast, spectacular costumes and set designs and.... a flying car! Do not miss it!

Creativity makes great coffee Discover how creativity makes great coffee this Christmas with Drop®. Its sleek and seamless form is inspired by a single drop of delicious coffee.

With its intuitive touch interface, preparing the perfect beverage couldn’t be easier!

Whatever your preference, Drop creates state-of-the-art beverages every time. www.dolce-gusto.com.mt

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